Dorothy S. Shearer, of Wilmington, DE passed away on December 3, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old. Dorothy was born in Wilmington in 1932. The last of eight children, Dorothy grew up on Middleboro Road where her backyard was what is known today as Banning Park. She loved playing baseball with her family and friends on warm summer days, playing darts with her brothers, and listening to the radio at night with her dad.
Dorothy was a graduate of Conrad High School and was a twirler in the Conrad High School Marching Band. After high school, she attended classes at Goldey Beacom College and then worked for a few years at Diamond State Telephone Company, where she developed several lifelong friendships.
Dorothy loved to dance and was known as quite the jitterbugger. She would frequently attend dances in high school and later at the YMCA in Wilmington. She eventually met the love of her life, John (Jack) Shearer at one such dance. They began dating and eventually enjoyed a loving marriage of over 61 years, where they also raised three children. Dorothy could light up any room with her bright smile and keen sense of humor. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Dorothy is predeceased by her parents, John R. Symonds and Elizabeth T. Symonds, seven siblings, William Symonds, George Symonds, Peggy Opel, Isabel Russell, Jack Symonds, Betty Irwin and Jerry Symonds, and her loving husband, John (Jack) Francis Shearer, Jr.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Kathleen Murphy (Joe), Carol Malovrh (Sam) and John Shearer III (Dawn); “Grandmom” was cherished by her six grandchildren, Beth Cox, Melissa Towles, Joe Murphy, Joe Campanella, Jennifer Shearer and John Shearer IV; and eight great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the many caring nurses and technicians at Christiana Hospital for their loving and devoted care.
Friends may call on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 10:30am to 11:30am at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE, 19808. The servcie will begin at 11:30. Burial will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Bear, DE at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dorothy’s name to Delaware Humane Association.
